Caddy for Dispensing and Collecting Tableware

ABSTRACT

A portable caddy for disposable tableware comprising: one or more multipurpose platforms for placing tableware, a plurality of concentric vertical legs, with provision for attaching multiple holders for accessories such as bowls, cups, spoons, forks, knives, napkins, stirrers, etc. Furthermore, the caddy may be assembled in table-top mode or in free-standing floor mode with the help of extender leg attachments. The extender legs have provision for attaching one or two or more plastic bags or baskets for separately collecting organic waste or recyclable materials. Platforms may be designed strong enough to hold heavier objects so that the caddy functions as a multipurpose stand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for dispensing and/or collecting tableware, especially designed for but not limited to disposable light-weight tableware made of materials such as plastic, paper, acrylic, recycled paper, recycled plastic, etc. This stand is designed for use in indoor or outdoor settings for distribution and/or collection of tableware, in a timely and orderly manner.

During events where a large number of people gather for food or drinks, light-weight tableware is often used as it is convenient to carry in hand such as in a buffet setting. Although recyclable tableware is generally used, it is widely observed that a large portion of potentially recyclable material ends up mixed with organic waste and more often than not ends up in garbage headed for landfills. Depending on their composition, plastic materials that end up in landfills can take anywhere from 10 to 1000 years to completely decompose thereby defeating the purpose of recyclable plastic. Therefore in order to prevent such environmentally harmful wastefulness and promote responsibility toward the natural ecosystem, it is essential to design the dispensing and collecting mechanism in such a way that it promotes high degree of recyclability and minimization of wastage.

The present invention is designed to fulfill the above objectives of promoting both ease of distribution, as well as achieving a high degree of recyclability. As a dispenser caddy, it can hold items such as plates, bowls, cups, spoons, forks, knives, napkins, stirrers, etc. in a convenient layout, designed with provision to expand by adding more attachments as needed. It also has the ability to be assembled in a small enough size so that it can fit on a table, or on a kitchen table in the space between the table and wall cabinets which is typically 18-inches high, or to fit in the trunk of a car for transportation. When assembled as an outdoor or indoor free-standing unit, it is designed with attachable legs or a support frame such that the items it holds are at a convenient height for its use.

Another function of the present invention is to serve as a collection stand for used tableware after use, either for cleaning or for recycling purposes. When used as a receptacle, the caddy can hold neatly separated tableware in a compact manner. When recycled, all material can be disposed off in a compact space in roughly the same compact size of packaging by volume as they are sold in. An optional bag attached directly to the legs of the free-standing floor unit can be used to collect organic waste for potential composting before placing the containers on the caddy. Alternatively, a separate bag or basket or collection vessel can be used to separate out the organic waste before placing the containers on the caddy.

Furthermore, the present invention can be built in a scaled-down format using child-friendly materials such as plastic or wood for example. Young kids like to play with kitchen toys and a toy designed as a replica of present invention not only adds active fun but also teaches them the value of being organized and trains them to return used tableware in a systematic manner so that it can be recycled or cleaned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing designs for holding, storing or distributing tableware appear to focus mostly on glass or ceramic ware. Disposable tableware has not received similar attention or interest. In general, simply laying them out on table in stacks seems to be the preferred means of their distribution. This method is not only inefficient in that it requires way more space than actually needed, but also takes up valuable table space which could otherwise be better utilized for food containers.

Returns are usually collected in large bins marked for collecting recyclable materials. Users scrape off organic waste in a separate bag and simply toss the recyclables in the recyclables bin. Collecting in this manner inevitably results in huge bags of recycled material. For example a set of 100 10-inch diameter paper plates, which typically comes packaged in a bag not more then 12-inches high when re-collected after use requires a 50-gallon bag which is more than 100-times its original packaging size.

Therefore, what is needed is a convenient, expandable and portable stand that can be configured to cater to the size and needs of the gathering. It should be capable of holding dinner plates which are typically 10.5 inches in diameter, dessert bowls which are about 6 inches in diameter, salad plates which are 8 inches in diameter, drinking cups varying from about 2.5 inches to 4 inches in diameter depending on their beverage holding capacity and whether they are designed for hot or cold beverages. Provision should also be made for holding an assortment of spoons, forks and knives. Space should be available for other accessories such as napkins and stirrers. With napkins, a mechanism to hold them down such as a weighted lever or spring is also needed.

Such a stand should be capable of fitting either on a kitchen table such as in an indoor setting, or alternatively be capable of standing on its own legs or supporting frame in an outdoor setting. It should be able to fit in the trunk of a car for ease of transportation even when fully stocked. Leg attachments or supporting frame make it easy to assemble and disassemble.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

-   -   One object of the invention is to serve as a one-stop station         for dispensing tableware.     -   It is also an object of this invention to have ability to add         additional attachments to the same structure to hold multiple         items.     -   It is yet another object of the invention to be assembled as a         freely standing unit on its own legs.     -   It is also an object of the invention to have removable legs so         that it can be placed on a table-top.     -   It is yet another object of this invention to be sized so that         it can fit inside the trunk of a car for ease of transportation.     -   It is still another object of this invention to be able to be         easily moved even when fully stocked with tableware.     -   It is yet another object of this invention to be able to be         transported in trunk of a car even when fully stocked with         tableware.     -   It is also an object of this invention to be able to fold its         attachments when not in use, resulting in a compact system.     -   It is yet another object of the invention to have removable or         folding or telescopic legs for ease of tranport.     -   It is also an object of this invention to have strong enough         platforms for holding plates, a pitcher or other accessories as         needed.     -   It is yet another object of this invention to have holders that         facilitate easy placement or removing of cups.     -   It is an object of this invention to serve as a receptacle for         used tableware.     -   It is another object of this invention to have provision for         garbage collection bags on the frame structure itself.     -   It is yet another object of the invention to have provision for         holding tableware such as plates, bowls, cups of various sizes,         spoons, forks, knives, napkins, stirrers, all in one convenient         place for guests.     -   It is also an object of this invention to have strong,         light-weight platforms for holding plates or other tableware.     -   It is also an object of this invention to have ease of mobility         so that it can be moved without tipping it over.     -   It is an object of this invention to have legs attach at an         angle so as to form a wider spacing at floor level to give         stability to the structure.     -   It is yet another object of this invention to be assembled in a         table-top mode of less than about 18 inches in height which         allows it to fit under the cabinets on a kitchen table for         example.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a storage caddy for disposable tableware designed to facilitate efficient distribution and/or collection of tableware and aims to achieve a high degree of recyclability. It can be assembled in a small enough size for placement on a table top or fit in the trunk of a car for ease of transportation even when fully stocked. It comprises of one or two or more flat platforms attached to vertical legs comprising a structural frame. Accessory holders of various sizes can be attached either to the legs or on platforms. Accessories such as cups, bowls, spoons, forks, knives, stirrers, napkins, and so on can be easily placed in the accessory holders. When attached to legs comprising of either one or two or more pieces of attachable or folding or telescopic type, the caddy can be placed on level ground without need for a supporting table. Legs are equipped with hooks for attaching plastic bags or basket for collecting organic waste or recyclable waste for example. The bottom end of legs can either have a protective cap made of rubber for example, or wheels for ease of mobility.

Multipurpose usage is enabled by creating platforms and support frame to be strong enough to hold heavier items such as beverage containers or tool kits.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to affect such steps, all is exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the construction of an embodiment of the flat platform.

FIG. 2 shows an assembly of the flat platform and vertical legs.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a hexagonal cup holder attached to a cylindrical sleeve.

FIG. 4 shows a table-top version of the caddy with two platforms and an assortment of cup holders attached.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of detachable legs.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the assembled caddy stocked with tableware and collection bags.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings described herein. Reference is also made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a device for dispensing and/or collecting disposable tableware.

FIG. 1 is diagram of an embodiment of the platform 301. It comprises of an inner triangle 302 attached within an outer triangle 303. The ends of outer triangle 303 are attached to an end-plate 304, which has provision for a screw attachment to vertical legs through a hole.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the structural assembly 305 of table-top version of the caddy. Each end-plate 304 is attached to each vertical leg 306 using for example, a bolt and nut mechanism. Each leg 306 has an end cap 307 on top end and another cap 308 on bottom end. Two or more platforms 301 may be attached to legs.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a hexagonal cup holder assembly 309. Cup holder may also be of a circular or triangular or other polygonal shape. In FIG. 3, a hexagonal embodiment 311 of the cup holder is shown. The hexagonal cup holder is attached to a hollow cylindrical sleeve 310. The cylindrical sleeve 310 is sized such that it forms a smooth sliding fit with vertical leg 306 of FIG. 2. Cup holders 311 sized so as to accommodate cups of different sizes such as 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz. Larger cup holders are sized to accommodate accessories such as bowls which are about 5-inch in diameter.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the entire assembly 312 of the table-top version of the plate stand. It shows multiple cup holders 311, of various sizes designed to hold cups and bowls of various sizes, attached to each vertical leg 306

FIG. 5 shows diagram of extender legs 315 that can be attached to each leg 306 of assembly 312 to make a freely standing floor version. In embodiment shown here, leg 315 comprises of two detachable portions: a top portion 316 and a bottom portion 317 attached using a coupling device 318. Top portion 316 is bent at an angle of about 15-20 degrees from the vertical at a length of about 3 inches from the top end. Another coupling device 319 is used to couple the extender legs 315 to the legs 306. In the embodiment shown, each extender leg 315 is attached to each of structural legs 306. End cap 308 is removed to attach sleeve 319 to leg 306. A hook or bag holder 320 is attached to each leg to facilitate attachment of plastic bags or basket for collecting organic waste or disposable waste.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary arrangement of a preferred embodiment showing the entire assembly in a floor-standing mode. Lower platform is shown stocked up with dinner plates. Top platform has provision for storing napkins, stirrers, or other such accessories. Figure also shows cup holders of various sizes. Cups attached near top platform are designed to hold spoons, knives and forks, as shown.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presently described subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

Specified numerical ranges of units, measurements, and/or values comprise, consist essentially or, or consist of all the numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges including or within those ranges and/or endpoints, whether those numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges are explicitly specified in the present disclosure or not.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like, as used herein do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The term “or” is meant to be inclusive and mean either or all of the listed items. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.

Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising”, “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. The term “comprising” or “comprises” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, and/or method steps.

The term “comprising” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method embodiment of the present disclosure that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, or method steps. As stated herein, the term “comprising,” may be substituted, replaced, or interchanged with “consisting essentially of” of “consisting of.” The phrase “consisting of” or “consists of” refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps. The term “consisting of” also refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method. The phrase “consisting essentially of” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method steps.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used individually, together, or in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter set forth herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the subject matter described herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

This written description may use examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of disclosed subject matter, including making and using the devices or systems and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 

1: A caddy for disposable tableware comprising of a plurality of flat platforms rigidly attached to a plurality of vertical legs, wherein the flat platforms are vertically spaced from each other and from the ends of the legs, wherein the vertical legs are situated at the periphery of the flat platforms, wherein the caddy is less than 24 inches in height, preferably less than 18 inches, and especially preferred between 12 and 15 inches, wherein the caddy is less than 15 inches in width, preferably less than 12 inches, and especially preferred between 9 and 11 inches, wherein a plurality of polygonal cup holder attachments of various sizes are attached to the vertical legs, wherein the cup holder attachments are configured to slide or rotate about the leg to which they are attached, resting at the point of attachment of the flat platforms. 2: The caddy recited in claim 1 futher comprising a plurality of extender legs coupled to the base of the vertical legs of claim 1, wherein the extender legs are configured to form an angle with respect to the vertical legs of claim 1, wherein the extender legs comprise of either folding or telescopic or a plurality of detachable pieces or combinations thereof. 3: The caddy as recited in claim 1 comprising of flat platforms which further comprise of an inner triangular wire frame within an outer triangular wire frame, wherein the inner triangle is rigidly connected to the outer triangle, wherein the length of the side of the inner triangle is about half of the length of the side of the outer triangle, and wherein the corners of the outer triangle are formed so as to allow rigid connection with the vertical legs of claim 1 4: The caddy as recited in claim 1 with cup holder attachments comprising of a ring of polygonal shape wherein the polygonal cup holder is connected to vertical legs of caddy recited in claim 1 using a cylindrical sleeve which is free to rotate about the leg wherein the polygon has less than ten sides, preferably eight sides, and especially preferred to have six sides, 